Yes, it’s that time of year again to celebrate our unofficial Vans holiday, created by us, for us! Show off your love for all things Vans. There’s no formula to this shit, just share your pairs, and use the campaign hashtag #31daysofvans. Let’s see how much the Vans Family has grown from last year. Thanks to Kyle for producing some sick banner graphics for the cause!
Vans presents the worldwide release of a new surf documentary, “Breaking Boundaries: A Surfboard Drive for Trinidad & Tobago.” Breaking Boundaries spotlights pro surfer Chris Dennis and his ongoing efforts to provide underserved youth in his native country with access to the same escape he credits with saving his life – surfing. The documentary is available to watch now on Vans’ YouTube channel.
“Trinidad & Tobago has two different sides,” Dennis remarks of the unique region. While the country touts’ beautiful beaches and is one of the wealthiest nations in the Caribbean, due in large part to its oil and natural gas reserves, the country’s economic inequality is staggering, and many communities live in poverty. Chris has made it his life mission to share the transformative power of surfing with the youth in these communities.
From the moment he first witnessed surfing, watching in awe from the cliff at the back of his childhood home, Chris was enthralled. After winning the first local contest he entered – Chris jokes about how green he was, having to borrow a rash guard from someone on the beach – he rolled with the momentum and built a surf career for himself out of the most unlikely of circumstances. Ultimately, Dennis found himself traveling the world competing on the World Qualifying Series tour, where he made many lifelong connections. This time of exploration was eye-opening for Chris and his experiences abroad changed the way he thought about the world. His travels brought the social problems his community was experiencing back home into sharper relief.
Returning to Trinidad, Chris began to work directly with the youth in his community. He started small by teaching a couple kids to surf, with no grand plans in mind. In the process, he became more acutely aware of surfing’s value in these young lives, how it provided educational, recreational and even aspirational opportunities that otherwise were unavailable. He witnessed firsthand how surfing steered kids away from crime, abuse, difficult situations at home and other pitfalls of poverty.
As his impromptu surf mentorship program grew and local enthusiasm for surfing swelled, the lack of equipment became a hindrance to the program’s progress. Enter Dane Gudauskas – an old friend from the pro tour – and the non-profit Dane founded with his brothers Tanner and Patrick, the Positive Vibe Warriors Foundation.
Through Dylan Graves and the Gudauskas brothers’ foundation, Chris connected with Waves for Change, a South African non-profit that the Positive Vibe Warriors, in partnership with Vans, worked with on an extremely successful surfboard drive in 2017. The plan was to host a similar drive to bolster Chris’ grassroots efforts. The drive for Trinidad & Tobago united shops and surf communities on both coasts of the US and collected over 200 surfboards. Building on this support, in addition to training and guidance from his new friends at Waves for Change, Chris founded the non-profit surf therapy program Waves for Hope in 2019.
At its core, Breaking Boundaries is about connection, within the global surf community and humanity as a whole. It is the hope that all involved in these board drives that they trigger a domino effect, encouraging surfers the world over to contribute to foundations like the Positive Vibe Warriors, Waves for Change and Waves for Hope, and launch socially beneficial initiatives of their own. By connecting surf scenes across the planet, and the individuals who drive them, we can affect much greater societal change. It’s an ethos that Chris’ believes can ripple far beyond the world of surfing.
“It’s more than surfboards, and it’s more than a board drive to us,” Chris affirms. “It’s a human thing. If we share, and really care for each other, a lot of our problems will be solvable. So, it means the world.”
To learn more about the Vans surfing program, visit vans.com/surf.
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Words via Vans:
“As the graduating Class of 2020 celebrates this important milestone, Vans will be hosting a special virtual grad night on Friday, June 26 at 6pm PST as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
While circumstances have made students and families celebrate at home, Vans hopes to inspire the graduating Class of 2020 to continue to be changemakers now and into the future. Vans is dedicated to enabling self-expression and creativity among the youth by creating an inclusive community focused on supporting one another and recognizing the global connection between action sports, art, music and street culture.
Virtual grad night speakers such as Steve Van Doren, son of Vans founder Paul Van Doren, Tony Hawk, Ray Barbee, Sami Miro and more, will be sharing personal messages to the graduates, encouraging students to pursue their passions, share helpful tips towards success and what it means to live “Off The Wall.” To conclude the ceremony, there will be a live music performance by King Princess and after party DJ set by SG Lewis.”
Students, families, teachers and Vans fans can tune in at 6pm PST on Vans official YouTube, Vans.com, Vans Facebook and the Vans Family app for a fun, special event.
When: Friday, June 26, 2020 at 6:00PM PST
Who:
Where:
This week, Vans will be offering a 30% discount off to all first responders and healthcare workers in the United States to thank them for their dedication and bravery in the fight against COVID-19 (May 18 – 25). Throughout the week, both frontline workers and healthcare providers are eligible, including those in emergency medicine, general practice, internal medicine, physical therapists, EMTS, firefighters, police and more.
As Vans continues to reach out to those tirelessly keeping our communities safe during an unprecedented time, Vans has also kicked off an exciting contest offering a LIFETIME supply of Vans to a winner and a frontline hero of their choosing. Contestants are asked to share a photo of their latest creative pursuit whether it’s a new hobby, personal artwork, jam session with a pet or skate trick. Vans wants to see how folks are staying inspired within action sports, art music and street culture.
To our Vans Family everywhere,
We have all lived through the evolution of COVID-19 and continue to personally experience its drastic impact and disruption on our work and home lives. While the lasting impact of this global pandemic is unclear, I am overwhelmingly proud of what Vans is doing to support those in need as our global communities continue to grapple with the realities of COVID-19.
As a brand engrained in the belief that we aren’t a shoe and apparel company but a people company that makes shoes and apparel, looking after our people has always been and will remain our top priority. This commitment rang true in March as we made the decision to shift corporate offices to remote working and temporarily closed our stores in the U.S. and Canada to prioritize the safety and health of you and all of our store associates. I am especially humbled by the fact that in partnership with VF Corp., we’ve been able to ensure that our store associates have continued to receive full pay and benefits during closures. Additionally, I want to express my personal appreciation for our distribution center associates who continue to facilitate consumer purchases from Vans.com. Their dedication to our brand is truly inspiring and together with VF Corp., we continue to implement proactive steps to uphold the well-being of our associates.
To help our extended Vans Family, we recently launched ‘Foot The Bill’, which is focused on supporting small businesses who are feeling the incredible strain that COVID-19 has put on their livelihoods. 160 community-driven businesses that touch our four brand pillars of art, music, action sports and street culture have been given access to design and upload a Customs pattern that represents their unique persona. Fans can support their local business by selecting its pattern for purchase and further customizing it through the Vans Customs offerings. Net proceeds of each pair sold will go directly towards helping that small business partner and means we have committed to contributing up to approximately $4 million USD.
Furthermore, as a global footwear and apparel manufacturer, we recognize our responsibility to answer the call to help the many individuals who are risking their own health and well-being to provide vital services to those in need during this pandemic. We were determined to answer this call and have since redirected a portion of our supply chain operations to partner with Hedley & Bennett, current Vans partner and kitchen and workwear brand, in the creation of more than 250,000 reusable facial masks made from the canvas we utilize for Vans shoes. Beginning in May, these masks will be donated to organizations across Los Angeles and beyond who are working on the front lines to ensure those in need receive meals.
We’ve also partnered with designer Michael Schmidt through the donation of more than 40,000 Vans shoelaces to enable their effort to create and donate medical face shields. With two 18” shoelaces required per face shield, the shoelaces will provide a critical component for 20,000 units to be donated to health workers across the U.S.
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, it is inspiring to see in times of crisis, the power of volunteering and those who are striving to help communities adjust and overcome struggles. As a thank you to the countless volunteers working tirelessly across food banks in some of the hardest hit regions of the U.S. such as California, New Jersey, Texas, Michigan, Florida, Virginia and Georgia, we just want to say thank you. To date, we’ve donated more than 13,500 pairs of shoes and are dedicated to ensuring this number grows.
It is also important to note that we aren’t alone in our commitment to support our extended Vans Family and communities during these tough times. As you all would have seen, the VF Foundation, the private grantmaking organization funded by VF Corporation has made the initial commitment to donate $1.5 million USD to support local communities and a further two-for-one community match campaign, up to an additional $500,000. I encourage each of you to visit the websites of our sister brands to learn more about how each is answering the call to action through various monetary, product, and material donations and how you personally can help.
While the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact many aspects of our lives, I am incredibly proud of the resilient and ongoing commitment of our global Vans Family. It is through our combined efforts and commitment to our communities that we will help ensure a brighter future.
Thank you,
Doug Palladini
Global Brand President / Vans
Off The Wall Since ‘66
Vans is proud to present Credits, a full-length skateboarding film featuring an all-women’s cast, shot and directed by filmmaker and skateboarder Shari White. Watch the live world premiere and Q&A session on Youtube.com/Vans beginning 4/21 at 12pm PST.
Just under a year in the making, Credits celebrates the diverse energy and personalities of the global women’s skate community. With a talented cast led by three underground favorites — Una Farrar, Breana Geering, and Fabiana Delfino —the film highlights the unique, individual style and expression of a group of friends that skate, hang and travel together.
Credits marks an important milestone for the women’s skateboarding community, exposing a title that in jest challenges the idea that women have often only been showcased in the “credits” section of skate videos. Here, in stark contrast to the former status quo, Una, Breana and Fabiana emerge, gracing the screen with full, complete parts in their own major video.
“Everyone had the opportunity to film their best skating over the past year, with their homies cheering them on,” film director White said of the project. “That is what skateboarding is all about! The laughter and friendship, along with the battles—I hope viewers get a sense of that feeling.”
The film includes cameo appearances from Vans team riders and friends, Beatrice Domond, Cher Strauberry, Clara Solar, Poppy Olsen (who also serves as the film’s art director), Helena Long, Adelaide Norris, Dayana Young and director Shari White herself.
“Credits is just some best friends having a good time and making a skate video,” added Geering.
Credits was shot in 4:3 with a mix of HD and Super 8, with footage captured across the US and Canada, in addition to Melbourne, Australia and Barcelona, Spain between April 2019 and March 2020.
To learn more about the Vans skateboarding program, visit vans.com/skate.
Vans®, the original action sports footwear and apparel brand, officially announced the beginning of a historic partnership with skateboarding legend and global youth icon, Tony Hawk. Sharing a profound heritage in action sports and an undisputed commitment to skate culture, Vans and Tony Hawk unite in 2020 to create authentic and inspiring brand initiatives that will enable creative expression through skateboarding.
“Vans has supported skateboarding since the very beginning, and never wavered in its commitment, even with massive mainstream success,” said Tony Hawk. “I have always respected their integrity, so it is an honor to officially join forces and help continue to grow skateboarding culture in the most authentic way possible.”
Joining Vans as an official global brand ambassador, Tony Hawk will partner with the brand to promote Vans’ global brand platforms, including his continued involvement as a color commentator in the Vans Park Series, in addition to producing a brand-new professional Vert skateboarding competition.
“Tony Hawk’s name is synonymous with skateboarding for fans around the world,” said Bobby Gascon, global director of action sports for Vans. “He is a pioneer and has inspired millions to pick up a board with his incredible talent. We are honored that he’ll be supporting Vans’ mission to promote and grow skateboarding globally.”
Hawk’s earliest memory of Vans dates back to the late ‘70s. “Vans were the first skate shoes I ever wore, beginning in 1978,” Hawk shared. “My dad bought me a pair and I begged him for the ‘ankle guard’ accessory because high-tops weren’t available yet. I wore Vans almost exclusively until the mid ‘80s.”
In the current environment of collective social distancing, Vans and Hawk remain focused on the positive impact that skateboarding can provide. By creating initiatives and events that support skate communities around the world, this partnership will bring fans together through engaging social livestream campaigns, philanthropic give-back programs, and creative product collaborations.
As a start, Vans recently launched “Foot The Bill”, a customization initiative to support small, independent business partners from around the world who are dealing with the direct business impacts of COVID-19. With skate shops as the central hub for skate communities around the world, “Foot The Bill” will work to support them with custom designed Vans footwear. The net proceeds from each pair of Vans Customs sold through the program will go directly to that small business to provide some relief during this challenging time.
“These days are extremely difficult for so many, which is why we are hoping to provide some fun and creativity for the global community to enjoy,” Hawk said of the program. “In unprecedented times like these, we need to stay positive, support each other and keep creating.”
To learn more about Tony Hawk, and the Vans Skateboarding program, please visit Vans.com/skate.
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Dear Vans Family,
We know how important small businesses are, we were one. You helped us become what we are, and we want to help our community and extended members of our Vans Family during this difficult time. We have partnered with local and community driven skate shops, restaurants, art galleries and music venues to support them with custom designed Vans footwear. Net proceeds* from the sale of each pair of Vans Customs will go directly to our small business partners in this time of need. With the purpose of continuing to enable creative expression, please join us as we lend a helping hand to our Vans Family.
Keep Going,
Steve Van Doren
Thoughts from us here at UTP:
This is what a real community looks like. We’ve been saying it for years, and it’s why we’ve worked hard to foster and protect our Vans culture. We don’t want it to be exploited, or turned out for the next culture vulture to profit and thrive off of. Under The Palms has been doing this Vans shit for a very long time, enough to see many come and go through our ranks, and it’s the ones who’ve stuck around and didn’t get caught up in all the weekly trends who get our continued support. On a larger scale, this is what Vans is doing for their skate shop partners who could use this opportunity right about now. It’s awesome, and it’s pretty damn cool. So far, the Foot The Bill webpage has 3 submissions: 510 Skateboards, 35th Ave/North, and Kingswell, but I assume more will come soon, so keep checking back. Each collab, has their own custom artwork that you can apply to the toe panel of the Classic Slip-On (currently the only style available), but you can fully customize the rest of the shoe per usual. This is where you get to make something cool, and completely unique, all while supporting your favorite collaborator. I created my own “510 Skateboarding” Slip-On, which I think came out pretty sick. Check it out on our Instagram. Don’t forget to share your own creations, and use the #FOOTTHEBILL and #VANSFOOTTHEBILL hashtags!
What is Vans “Foot The Bill”?
Vans “Foot The Bill” initiative aims to assist the creative communities of our extended Vans Family around the world during this difficult time. Using our Vans Customs platform, we invite you to express your creativity and be a designer to your favorite Vans shoe, all while supporting the skate shops, music venues, art galleries, restaurants and local hangouts that enable your creative self-expression every day.
How many total partners will you be supporting?
We are committed to supporting at least 80 local and community driven small businesses including skate shops, music venues, art galleries and restaurants. Though, this amount does not include all of the amazing partners that we work with around the world, we are hopeful this program will help our communities get through this unprecedented time.
How did you select your partners?
We worked closely with our team to identify community driven small businesses like skate shops, music venues, art galleries and restaurants that have been directly impacted by COVID-19.
What portion of the proceeds will be donated to each partner?
All proceeds less the cost of production and shipment will be paid to the local and community driven skate shops, restaurants, art galleries and music venues.
How many pairs are being sold per partner?
Vans will be producing up to 500 pairs of Custom Vans per partner, based on demand.
How long will these designs be available to shop?
These one-of-a-kind designs will be available until the limit has been reached. Once they are sold out they will no longer be available. So be sure to get creative while supplies last!
see more of 510 Skateboard’s artwork after the jump!
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
This season, Vans Anaheim Factory pack reissues a limited-edition Fast Times Slip-On, celebrating unique design details inspired by the original promotional shoe for the movie release. Borrowing details from the original Classic Slip-On and offering modernized comfort with upgraded Ortholite® sockliners, the Anaheim Factory Classic Slip-On 98 DX also includes throwback details like the iconic Vans checkerboard print, higher glossed foxing tape, printed sidewalls, and sturdy canvas and textile uppers to complete the look.
SUPPORT US, AND CLICK ON THE PIC ABOVE TO PURCHASE FROM VANS DIRECTLY!
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Vans opens its first community-driven retail and event space in Downtown Los Angeles. The 11,500 sq. ft. space pays homage to Los Angeles’ deep skateboarding roots and thriving art community over two floors featuring work from a number of local makers, a wide range of Vans footwear, apparel and accessories, and a dedicated community experience studio.
Located at 808 S. Broadway, Vans DTLA features a mural from LA-based artist and designer Geoff McFetridge, who accentuated the raw brick and concrete walls of the building with his signature colorful, minimalist work. Atmospheric photos by skate legends Mike O’Meally, Ray Barbee, Tino Razo and Anthony Acosta further highlight LA’s importance in skate culture. The space also showcases work by local sign painter Julien Besser.
“Our Downtown LA store opening signifies a new Vans chapter as we continue our mission and commitment to being community and experience focused,” said Carly Gomez, VP of Marketing, Americas at Vans. “Downtown LA has a rich history of skate culture and artistic freedom. Not only will we be opening our doors to the new space, but we will introduce Studio808, located on the second floor of the new store where the community can share their creative energy through workshops, exhibitions and more.”
Furthering Vans commitment to LA skateboarding, the Vans DTLA store features a dedicated skate shop within the space that stocks hard goods from Los Angeles-based brands like Alva, Baker, Girl, and WKND alongside the full collection of Vans Pro Skate footwear and apparel. A selection of publications curated by DTLA gallery and store THESE DAYS rounds out the retail offering and gives customers a deeper look into local culture.
The second floor of Vans DTLA is home to Studio808, a community-driven gallery, lounge and workshop space, created in partnership with lifestyle magazine Monster Children. The studio will serve as a central hub for consumers and creatives with the goal of giving back to the local community. Offering hands-on art and design workshops, free of charge, Studio808’s ultimate aim is to build a platform for education to uplift underserved members of the community.
“We are excited to be opening Vans first retail and event space in Downtown Los Angeles,” said Mitch Whitaker, VP/GM, Americas at Vans. “For 54 years, Vans has called California home. We’re grateful to be reinforcing the brand’s Southern California roots and legacy through this new space that is both reflective of, and designed for, the community and unique experiences.”
Solidifying Vans dedication to the DTLA neighborhood, the brand has partnered with non-profit organizations Goodwill and Chrysalis to create a community hiring program that employs a number of formerly homeless and at-risk youth candidates at Vans DTLA.
The Vans DTLA community-led retail store is open now and will offer monthly programming including workshops, talks, and art exhibitions beginning March 12, 2020. Visit vans.com/dtla for more information.”
We’re still waiting on an L.A. based Vault By Vans store, though, with Vault exclusives like NYC!
Store Hours
Monday – Sat 11am – 8pm
Sunday – 11am – 7pm
Address
808 S Broadway, Los Angeles 90014
Phone: 213-239-0331
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Currently on a little hiatus, but normally you can drop in for the live Twitch stream, or you can get caught up later on, by viewing us on our Youtube channel. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Anchor.
Check out and add to our collaborative playlist on Spotify. Let's hear some of your favorite, obscure, B-side, and personal selections. The funkier and more eclectic it gets, the better. Let's show everyone how much range our community has!
